Sam Simon, Co-Creator of ‘The Simpsons,’ Dead at Age 59

It’s another sad day for The Simpsons and the world at large, as series executive producer Al Jean confirmed news that co-creator Sam Simon passed away on Sunday, at the age of 59, in Los Angeles. The Emmy-winning Simon had also written for such TV legends as Taxi and Cheers, battling a cancer diagnosis since 2012.

TMZ initially reported the loss, which Al Jean in turn confirmed over Twitter. Simon co-developed The Simpsons in 1989 alongside Matt Groening and James L. Brooks, also acting as writer, co-showrunner, character designer, creative consultant, creative supervisor and developer, and leaving the series in 1993 with a retained executive producer title.

Simon was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2012, given only a three-month prognosis to live. Since then, Simon had become increasingly philanthropic with his fortune, donating approximately $100 million to charity, and founding the Sam Simon Foundation, rescuing dogs and aiding Iraq and Afghanistan veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. Other charitable work of Sam Simon’s legendary generosity included PETA, Save the Children, and the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

Simon was married to actress Jennifer Tilly from 1984 to 1991, and subsequently to Playboy Playmate Jami Ferrell from 2000 until 2003. We’ve included some of of Al Jean’s rememberances below.